Stop grabbing your bit!!!!

[horse_lover0095]

Today my mare kept grabbing my bit and doing whatever she wanted. I don't want to keep pulling on her mouth to get her to stop because I don't want her mouth to become hard. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can stop and prevent her from doing this? Shows are comming up soon, and if she doesn't stop this, I don't think we're going to be ready.:(

[stormy's mum]

you could do some ground work to get her to respect you more or get her teeth checked

[julia gulia]

did you ever get someone to come check on her teeth?????

[knockaroo]

One of mine used to do that we did lots of 10 and 15 metre circles but held the inside rien open and across my thigh (fixed) makes your arm ache though. I've now changed his bit he was in hollow mouth snaffle when I got him but his mouth is quite small, low roof to mouth too, I have but him in a D ring copper roller this has a slim mouth piece and copper encourages salivation, it seems to work for him, but Ihave thought of trying a myler bit but don't know much about them

[Kris R]

If your mare is grabbing the bit (aversion behaviour) she is telling you it is the wrong one, it is uncomfortable and it hurts.
The next stage for you is to find the right one and this will take time and research on your part.

She will stop aversion behavior when you have found the right one. Taking her to a show when she reacts like this and her adrenalin levels rise is not a good idea really.

1.Understand the mechanics of the current bit you are using.
2. ensure she has her mouth, teeth, back saddle and other tack checked
3. Think about your own riding style, do you get tense, are you pulling hard on the reins.
4. Ride your horse in an enclosed safe area in just a headcollar and see how she reacts.

good luck

[shazmar]

My daughter is having problems with her 12.2 because she is fine in walk, but as you progress to trot and canter she starts biting the bit and she is only 8 years old and has problems sitting with her. I do not want her to lose her confidence but she is just struggling keeping the pony's head up without being pulled forward. She is a good pony, she does not try and run off or anything, I have her in a normal snaffle and I don't want to put something to harsh in her mouth as Chloe (my daughter) is only young and inexperienced with her hands. I don't want her to keep yanking her back because this is just a fight. Can anyone help me?!!